Cost of Living: Waco, TX vs Vallejo, CA (2026)

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Vallejo

California
155

Waco is 54% cheaper than Vallejo.

$1,098/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,013/mo ↑ 83%
$51,468/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$89,496/yr ↑ 74%
$199,600 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$557,500 ↑ 179%
$1,094/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,058/mo ↑ 88%
141,925
Population
124,637

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Vallejo, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 155 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $915/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $10,980/year.

Median household income is $38,028/year higher in Vallejo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $557,500 in Vallejo.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Vallejo — common questions

Is Waco or Vallejo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 155 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Vallejo?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Vallejo it's $2,013/month — a difference of $915/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Vallejo?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $89,496 in Vallejo. Median household income is $38,028/year higher in Vallejo.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or Vallejo?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/mo, while Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with rent of $2,013/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waco details → View Vallejo details →

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